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How the GOP drama could impact more than Trump

McClatchy Politics editor Steve Thomma, Sirius XM radio host Julie Mason, Sacramento Bee political correspondent David Siders and McClatchy White House correspondent Lesley Clark discuss the potential lasting impact that the drama from the first day at the Republican National Convention could have on local races in the fall.

McClatchy Politics editor Steve Thomma, Sirius XM radio host Julie Mason, Sacramento Bee political correspondent David Siders and McClatchy White House correspondent Lesley Clark discuss the potential lasting impact that the drama from the first day at the Republican National Convention could have on local races in the fall. Credit: McClatchy

McClatchy Politics editor Steve Thomma, Sirius XM radio host Julie Mason, Sacramento Bee political correspondent David Siders and McClatchy White House correspondent Lesley Clark discuss the potential lasting impact that the drama from the first day at the Republican National Convention could have on local races in the fall. Credit: McClatchy

Republican Rep. Blake Farenthold on Tuesday acknowledged that Melania Trump “borrowed” some language in her speech at the Republican national convention, but dismissed the plagiarism accusations as a mother merely passing on advice all parents tell their children.

At least one passage in Melania Trump’s speech Monday repeated future first lady Michelle Obama’s address, nearly word for word, to the Democratic national convention in Denver in 2008.

The controversy quickly overshadowed her speech, which was initially well received in Cleveland and across the nation. Donald Trump’s campaign downplayed the allegations, but Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Prebus said Trump’s speechwriter “probably” should be fired.

Farenthold said he, too, has borrowed language for his speeches before, though he usually asks permission. He praised the address, saying it reflected lessons parents give their children.

Farenthold, who didn’t endorse Donald Trump until July 7 after supporting fellow Texan Sen. Ted Cruz, said the magic of Donald Trump is that he speaks from the heart.

He criticized President Barack Obama for failing to reach out to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, while praising Donald Trump for already visiting House Republicans on Capitol Hill once. “He’s willing to listen,” he said. “That’s such a refreshing change for know-it-all Democrats.”

Farenthold said Republicans lost the last presidential election with Mitt Romney on the top of the ticket because not all party activists embraced him.

“There were a group of Republicans who said he’s not good enough,” he said. “There is no Republican out there who wants a Hillary Clinton presidency.”

He said he has urged Republicans to look beyond any of Trump’s potential problems and applaud how he has energized voters who aren’t normally involved in politics.

“I'm not going to sell Donald Trump short,” he said. “I think the American people saw something in him.”

“I’m very frustrated by the fact that she has walked on these allegations,” he said. “Anyone else would have lost their security clearance and maybe in jail.”

After a yearlong investigation, the FBI announced earlier this month that Clinton and her aides had been “extremely careless” but recommended no charges.

“One rule applies for everyone else, and one rule applies for Hillary Clinton types,” he said.

McClatchy, which has 29 newspapers and websites across the nation, hosted a conversation with Farenthold and a roundtable with three journalists: Julie Mason, host of Press Pool on Sirius XM; David Siders, political correspondent for the Sacramento Bee; and Lesley Clark, White House Correspondent in McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.

Trump to United Nations: 'Rocket Man is on a suicide mission'

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Trump: "We're working on a plan for DACA"

"Morning Buzz" at the RNC with U.S. Rep. Farenthold of Texas

McClatchy politics editor Steve "Buzz" Thomma and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) discussed some of the buzzing political issues of the election from Cleveland including border security, the future of the Republican party, Hillary Clinton, and who should be the next Supreme Court justice.

McClatchy politics editor Steve "Buzz" Thomma and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) discussed some of the buzzing political issues of the election from Cleveland including border security, the future of the Republican party, Hillary Clinton, and who should be the next Supreme Court justice.

Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, said that he was late in endorsing Trump, but “I'm not going to sell Donald Trump short,” he said. “I think the American people saw something in him.” Jacquelyn MartinAP